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Lake Wales FLORIDA Area Resident Visitor Guide JOIN THE ROYAL FAMILY Check out over thirty majors to see what ts your future WU offers smaller classes a Royal community to inspire you professors who help you live out your faith and an award winning athletics program. Lets talk soon Warner.edu 13895 Highway 27 Lake Wales Florida 33859 Local 863.638.7212 Toll Free 800.309.9563 11Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide The Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Devel- opment Council says welcome. We hope this Area Resident Visitor Guide offers you a small taste of our wonderful vibrant and friendly community of Lake Wales the Crown Jewel of the Ridge. Throughout this guide youll discover that Lake Wales is truly a GREAT place a GREAT place to live work play raise a family visit dine shop get healthy commune with nature enjoy the arts and do business. Its also a caring commu- nity full of people who give back. Located in the center of Florida close to major highways airports ports rail systems and trucking concerns Lake Wales also is a great place to start or move your business. We are a business-friendly community and your ChamberEDC and City stand ready to help new and expanding companies take advantage of our favorable tax climate and variety of incentives. The Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council promotes the economic well-being of the entire community and is a leading advocate for businesses and resi- dents alike. Business leaders and community volunteers are invited to serve on committees and join us for networking activities that generate business leads and build lasting friendships. We hope you enjoy this Guide and use it to explore all that the greater Lake Wales area has to offer. Check back periodically for an updated Chamber member directory published as a supplement to this guide. You also can nd the Guide and updated Chamber directory online at lakewaleschamber.com. Again we thank you for taking the time to pick up this Lake Wales Area Resident Visitor Guide and we hope you nd it useful and enjoyable reading. Welcome to Lake Wales the Crown Jewel of the Ridge. The mission of the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council is to promote and enhance a strong business climate while supporting a desirable quality of life in the greater Lake Wales area. Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council Ofce Location 340 W. Central Avenue Lake Wales Florida 33853 Mailing Address P.O. Box 191 Lake Wales FL 33859-0191 PHONE 863 676-3445 FAX 863 676-3446 infolakewaleschamber.com www.LakeWalesChamber.com Throughout this guide youll discover that Lake Wales is truly a GREAT place a GREAT place to live work play raise a family visit dine shop get healthy commune with nature enjoy the arts and do business. Its also a caring commu- Located in the center of Florida close to major highways airports ports rail systems and trucking concerns Lake Wales also is a great place to start or move your business. 22 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide ADVERTISER ........................................................PAGE All Saints Academy....................................................... 33 Bok Tower Gardens ......................................................... 3 Bunting Tripp Ingley CPAs ........................................ 19 Century 21 At Your Service Realty................................. 27 Circle F Dude Ranch Camp ........................................... 11 Citizens Bank Trust....................................................... 7 Crazy Fish Bar Grill..................................................... 38 Eagle Ridge Mall ........................................................... 38 Edward Jones.................................................................. 8 Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd ..................... 36 Ewing Blackwelder Duce Insurance ........................... 27 Eye Specialists of Mid Florida ....................................... 12 First Baptist Church of Lake Wales ................................ 36 Floridas Natural Grove House....................................... 22 General Vascular Thoracic Surgery ........................... 15 Georgetown Square Apartments .................................. 24 GFWC Womans Club of Lake Wales............................. 32 Green Gables Inn ............................................................ 8 Health Markets Agent Dennis Albright ........................ 29 Jahna Chiropractic......................................................... 12 John Walldorf LMT ....................................................... 39 Kathryns Park Ave. Christian Books Gifts..................... 39 Keller Williams The Results Team Real Estate .............. 25 Lake Wales Arts Council ................................................ 16 Lake Wales Care Center ................................................ 37 About Lake Wales ...........................................4 Facts Figures................................................4 Remember our Roots...................................6-7 What to Visit....................................................8 Nearby Attractions..........................................9 Enjoy Nature..................................................10 Lets Play........................................................12 Healthy Living................................................14 The Arts.........................................................16 Doing Business..............................................18 Economic Development................................20 Agri-Business.................................................22 Lake Wales a Great Place to be Contents ADVERTISER ........................................................PAGE Lake Wales Charter Schools .......................................... 31 Lake Wales Little Theatre .............................................. 17 Lake Wales Veterinary Hospital ....................................... 6 LIncontro Italian Cuisine ............................................... 39 Lori Drapers Furniture Accessories............................ 39 Neurodiagnostic Sleep Center .................................. 14 Norbys Steak Seafood.............................................. 39 Orthopedic Surgery of Polk County .............................. 13 Peterson Myers ............................................................ 5 Polk State College......................................................... 35 Quails Bluff Apartments................................................ 24 Ramon Theater.............................................................. 17 Real Estate Title Services............................................... 25 Retirement Solutions ..................................................... 29 Savannah Court Assisted Living Residence................... 28 State Farm Agent Kevin Weltlin ................................... 25 The Gallery Frame Shop ............................................ 39 The Groves Center ........................................................ 29 The Wound Healing Center........................................... 15 Village Kitchen Shop ..................................................... 39 Violeta B. Salud Associates........................................ 32 Walden ShoresWhispering Pines Rickert................... 26 Warner University .................................Inside Front Cover Cromer International Press....................Inside Back Cover Sun Coast Media Group........................Inside Back Cover Lake Wales Medical Center............................. Back Cover Index of Advertisers This publication is made possible with the generous support of local businesses. Business Incentives........................................23 Put Down Roots ............................................24 Housing Options ...........................................24 Quality of Life................................................26 Retirement Living ..........................................28 Charter Schools.............................................30 Education Options ........................................32 Higher Education ..........................................34 Giving Caring.............................................36 Dining and Shopping ...............................37-38 Attractions.....................................................40 33Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide boktowergardens.org 863 676 1408 - 1151 TOWER BOULEVARD LAKE WALES FL boktowergardens.org 863 676 1408 - 1151 TOWER BOULEVARD LAKE WALES FL 44 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Lake Wales a Great Place to be Overview Welcome to Lake Wales the Crown Jewel of the Ridge. Voted the friendliest small town in Florida its unique history and architecture diverse accommodations environmental cultural and recreational attractions charming shops and restaurants make the Lake Wales area a great place to live. Its friendly residents the true jewels in the Lake Wales crown also welcome visitors to take time out from the mundane to discover a better way of life and a great place to work relax and play. Although the early city planners of Lake Wales could not have foreseen the tremendous growth Florida would see in the areas rst 60 years these forefathers had the vision to create a community design that still works well today. It all began by discover- ing the perfect location. The City of Lake Wales 19 square miles in size with an estimated 15000 residents is situated along the states geographical ridge which at 298 feet boasts the highest elevation in the peninsular Florida. This advantageous location gives Lake Wales a climate rich in Florida sunshine but with less humidity than the coastal areas. Daytime tempera- tures rarely exceed the mid-90s during the summer and seldom fall below the 60s in winter. Yearly rainfall averages 48 inches occurring mostly in late spring and summer. This pleasant atmosphere is further enhanced by rolling hills a carpet of lush green citrus trees and the inviting waters of numerous lakes. Enjoy an early morning walk on the trail around Lake Wailes visit the lush gardens surrounding our world-renowned bell tower enjoy an outstanding concert or play or meander through our lovingly preserved historic downtown district. During the season you might catch the annual two- day Art Show by the lake experience music by artists from around the world during the International Carillon festival party at the Mardi Gras celebration or attend productions at the Lake Wales Little Theatre a 140-seat community playhouse run by volunteers. The Lake Wales community works constantly to improve while enjoying the life built here on Floridas ridge. Today as the city continues to celebrate its proud heritage it also 55Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide offers an environment with opportunities for business and industry to grow and prosper. The Chambers mission is to promote and enhance a strong business climate while supporting a desirable quality of life in the greater Lake Wales area. Whether you represent a business or are seeking the best in cultural educational and recreational amenities you will nd it in Lake Wales. Please think of the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce as your key to discovering all that our community has to offer. The Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce is at your service ready to assist you with general and in-depth information about this wonderful community. We invite you to Discover Lake Walesthe Crown Jewel of the Ridge through this web site stop by our Visitor Center or give us a call well be glad to help 66 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Taking Care of Your Pets Like Theyre Our Own... No one has to tell you how special your pet is to you. We know. Because its the same way we feel about our own. Thats how well you can feel about your pets treatment at Lake Wales Veterinary Hospital. At Lake Wales Veterinary Hospital we treat your pets like the valued family members they are. 863-676-1 451 520 Mountain Lake Cutoff Rd Lake Wales. FL www.lakewalesvets.com 863-676-1451 I spend my day playing at Suite Dreams Day Care. I wish you could come join me Boarding Grooming Come in and take a tour and learn all about Suite Dreams Day Care Lake Wales a Great Place for History Lake Wales has a long and rich history. Its rst inhabitants were attracted to the area for its bounty of sh game and natural vegetation used for food and medicine. Native Americans found the area ideally suited to farming hunting and shing and later for trading with their new neighbors from the north and west. New settlers raised cattle farmed and began planting citrus. This became the greatest citrus-producing area in the world and citrus is still an important industry in Central Florida. Beginning in the 1880s settlers also lumbered the virgin stands of pine to extract the sap for turpentine stills. Although the early forefathers and city planners could not have foreseen the tremendous growth in the past 80 years they had the vision to create a basic community design that works well today. A frontier town in Bok Tower under construction Antique car shows in Lake Wales Antique postcard of Lake Wales Early 20th century clothing worn by Lake Wales settlers on display at Depot Museum. Telegraph ofce at Depot Museum its formative years Lake Wales became an area leader in cultural arts and tourism in the early 1900s with the building of the Mountain Lake Community which catered to wealthy northern industrialists seeking a winter refuge. The famous Bok Carillon Tower was erected in 1929 and dedicated by 77Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Lake Wales became a stop for the Atlantic Coastline Railroad in 1911. Historic exhibits at the Lake Wales Depot Museum. Historic Lake Wales Depot Museum President Calvin Coolidge. Paved highways enabled the rst tourists to visit this tranquil retreat. The Atlantic Coastline Railroad reached Lake Wales in 1911. It served as transport for the naval stores coming out of the turpentine stills and opened the way for land development and tourism. More and more people began traveling by automobile in the 1920s and 1930s. After the Great Depression tourism and growth picked up in the 1940s 1950s and 1960s. Although many historic buildings were torn down to build accommodations for tourists during this time the Lake Wales historic downtown was spared. The success of nearby Disney World in the 1970s further impacted the surrounding communities bringing both tourists and employment opportunities. A community redevelopment movement was organized in the 1970s and 1980s to preserve the architectural heritage of the city. In the 1990s historic preservation became part of the citys comprehensive plan so that future changes will reect and preserve the citys historic past. Lake Wales is proud of its historical and architectural heritage and is committed to preservation. 88 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide In the Neighborhood Lets Get to Know One Another. New to the area Unfamiliar with the Edward Jones way of doing business Take an hour or so to learn how we work with millions of individual investors. Together we can create and implement an investment strategy designed to help you achieve your long-term nancial goals. We customize our recommendations based on our clients current situations objectives and risk tolerance. Edward Jones ranked Highest in Investor Satisfaction With Full Service Brokerage Firms in a Tie in the J.D. Power 2015 Full Service Investor Satisfaction StudySM . Edward Jones received the highest numerical score among full service brokerage rms in a tie in the proprietary J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Full Service Investor Satisfaction StudySM . Study based on responses from 5351 investors who used full-service investment institutions. 18 investment rms which received a representative sample of investor opinions were measured on 7 factors investment advisor investment performance account information account offerings commissions and fees website and problem resolution. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in JanuaryFebruary 2015. Your experiences may vary. Rating may not be indicative of future performance and may not be representative of any one clients experience because it reects an average of experiences of responding clients. Visit jdpower.com. Call today to schedule a no-cost no-obligation portfolio review. Michele E Ouellette AAMS Financial Advisor 20 South Scenic Highway Lake Wales FL 33853 863-676-0775 Vanessa A Colburn Financial Advisor 2800 Ridge Way Suite C Lake Wales FL 33859 863-676-8320 www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC PLR-1758F-A-JDP Lakeside Resort at Highway Prices 21380 Highway 27 Lake Wales Florida 33859 www.GreenGablesFL.com Reservations 863-676-2511 Lake Wales a Great Place to Visit Lake Wales is located halfway between Orlando and Tampa both home to numerous world famous tourist attractions. But Lake Wales and surrounding areas have a long tradition as a tourist destination dating back to the early 1900s. Just 15 minutes from Lake Wales is LEGOLAND Florida a 150-acre theme park designed for families with children aged two to 12 is in its second year of wildly successful operation. Owned by Merlin Entertainments Group it has been expanded to include LEGOLAND Water Park adding hours of water play to the theme park experience. LEGOLAND is a major tourist draw for the area attracting families with more than 50 rides. The attraction features one of the largest Lego retail stores in the world The Big Shop along with Fun Town and Miniland USA. Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales was created more than 85 years ago and it still attracts people from around the world. The original gardens designed by noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. include nearly 50 acres and a neo-Gothic Singing Tower with daily carillon recitals. Bok Tower is working to complete a 12 million expansion to attract a wider audience. One of the highest points in peninsular Florida Bok Tower Gardens features spectacular sunrises and sunsets as well as gorgeous views of the Kissimmee and Peace river valleys. A National Historic Landmark Bok Tower was developed by publisher and author Edward W. Bok a Dutch immigrant. The gardens and Tower were Mr. Boks gift of gratitude for the opportunities hed been given as an American. The words of his grandmother were the inspiration of the Sanctuary Make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because youve lived in it. The majestic bell tower a visual centerpiece of a historic 99Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Olmsted-designed landscape garden houses one of the worlds great carillons. Sixty bronze bells ranging in weight from 17 pounds to nearly 24000 pounds ll the garden with beautiful carillon music with concerts daily at 1 and 3 p.m. as well as brief recordings throughout the day. Pinewood Estate is a classic 20-room Mediterranean Revival winter estate that offers walking tours. For availability and rates inquire in the Visitor Center upon arrival. Along with museum-quality exhibits in the Visitor Center visitors to Bok Tower Gardens may enjoy the Pine Ridge Nature Preserve Trail Window by the Pond nature observatory guided garden walks seasonally and a panoramic view from Iron Mountain located 298 feet above sea level. The Blue Palmetto Cafe offers lunch and refreshments and the Tower Garden Gift Shop showcase unique museum-quality gifts. Special events include daily carillon concerts seasonal guided tours moonlight recitals Easter Sunrise service Christmas at Pinewood Holiday Home Tour and other holiday programs the International Carillon Festival Garden Campus lectures and workshops and much more. Boating and other watersports related industries can nd a large market using the many popular waterways in and near Lake Wales including the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes which consists of 19 interconnected lakes. Theres also plenty of adventure at the Florida Skydiving Center which offers skydiving from their location off State Road 60 near U.S. 27. The Lake Wales area is home to Westgate River Ranch the states largest dude ranch which operates a rodeo and Camp Macks River Resort which offers trophy bass shing airboat nature tours and camping for recreational vehicles. 1010 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Lake Wales a Great Place for Nature Florida is famous for man-made attractions. But the Lake Wales area offers virtually endless opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the great outdoors. With its all year round warm temperatures and more than 550 lakes within 50 miles Lake Wales offers travelers a wide range of distinctive opportunities to soak up the Florida sun while communing with Mother Nature. You just need to know where to look or walk or pedal. Nestled near Lake Wales are 37 nature parks on more than 25000 preserved acres. The region offers nature lovers a vast assortment of foot- friendly trails and terrain for all skill levels. Some in close proximity to Lake Wales are Ridge Audubon-Babson Park Nature Center Circle B Bar Reserve Street Audubon Center Lake Kissimmee State Park Mosaic Peace River Park Colt Creek State Park Broussard Catsh Creek State Preserve Many experience nature by bicycle and the area touts an extensive list of multipurpose trails and paths. Near Lake Wales be sure to check out trails like the Fort Fraser Trail TECO Trail Chain of Lakes Trail General James A. Van Fleet State Trail and Loyce Harpe Park. Those who are anxious get a closer look at some of the hundreds of lakes in the region can gather up the crew and embark on a shing adventure. Polk County aka the Bass Capital of the World is teeming with chances to reel in an amazing catch. For an extra shing thrill be sure to check out some of Polk County phosphate pits that have recently received international acclaim as some of the best angler areas in the region. Of course bass arent the only sh found in these lakes. Veteran and rst time anglers can get out on the water for a chance to hook a wide range of species such as bluegill crappie and catsh. Some choose to boat canoe or kayak and just enjoy the unmatched beauty of pristine old Florida. The lucky ones get to see alligators sunning themselves on the bank and a variety of birds and other small wildlife. Whatever you love about the outdoors you can nd it near Lake Wales. Hiking cycling and shing are all great ways to enjoy the natural wonders. 1111Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide DONT MISS OUT ON ALL THE FUN YEAR ROUND group weekends family weekends outdoor education scoutings weekends summer camp Call Us Or Visit Us Online 863.676.4113 www.circlefduderanchcamp.com CHECK OUR CALENDAR FOR FUTURE EVENTS. Circle F Dude Ranch is a year round unique place where people can be inspired challenged to play with a purpose. Specialized programs are created for each individual group taking advantage of the many opportunities available. waterfront horses paintball skatepark alpine tower rockwall arts crafts photography basketball Not all activities available. Not responsible for errors or omissions. 1212 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide cataracts eyelid lifts lasik glaucoma retina QualityBecause you deserve only the best. 800.282.EYES 3937 Winter Haven Sebring Haines City Clermont Lake Wales Lakeland EyesFL.com fb.comEyesFL We specialize in caring for your special eyes. Lake Wales a Great Place to Play Whether your style of recreation is to sit back and relax play team sports take up a new hobby enjoy the solitude of a walk in beautiful surroundings or be a spectator Lake Wales offers endless opportunities for recreation. Couple this with our mild climate and you have the perfect setting for year-round outdoor enjoyment. The City of Lake Wales maintains 250 acres of parks and community recreational facilities. The renovated trail on the shores of Lake Wailes is the place to walk jog skate or bicycle with amenities that include distance markers benches bike racks and water fountains. The trail in 2014 was resurfaced and tted with exercise stations. Fishing is popular along the shore of the lake from the 120-foot shing pier or from your boat launched at the public ramp. The pier has benches and a lovely gazebo with seating a perfect spot to watch the spectacular sunsets. Fishing airboat tours boat rentals and the services of professional guides are available. Fishing is a popular sport in the Lake Wales area with our abundance of lakes both large and small sh camps and shing resorts. Bass are a popular catch and many bass tournaments are held each month at Camp Macks River Resort. Other species are regularly caught including crappie catsh pike bream and perch. While out on area lakes you are likely to see other wildlife such as turtles otters alligators and prolic bird life. Local sh camps offer comfortable accommodations and friendly service. Bok Tower Gardens nearby Kissimmee State Park the Ridge Audubon Center Nature Trail and Tiger Creek Nature Preserve offer hiking opportunities and unparalleled views into Central Floridas unique ecosystem and history. The Ridge area is home to ora and fauna that are found nowhere else in the world. One of the rst major events of the year in Lake Wales is the annual Mardi Gras celebration which has bloomed into a major social and tourist event drawing thousands of visitors from across Florida and beyond. A variety of activities highlight the six- week Carnival period from galas breakfasts and the Wild Shiners black light ball to a wacky and colorful parade of Krewes featuring themed oats and costumes. 1313Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Ortho Quarter Page Ad Ortho Quarter Page Ad Hip replacement surgery can help get you back into the swing of things. Sergio Martinez D.O. 1255 SR 60 E. Suite 300 Lake Wales If hip pain is keeping you from living life to the fullest Sergio Martinez D.O. is here to offer comprehensive orthopedic services. To schedule an appointment and learn more call 863-676-8358 or visit OrthopedicSurgeryofPolk.com. Another special annual event is Pioneer Days a weekend celebration of heritage which includes various old-time crafters spinners and woodworkers along with Indian dancers vintage cars and tractors. Theres always plenty of food and music and the weekends highlight is the naming of the Pioneer of the Year. Another crowd pleaser is the Kiwanis Club annual Christmas Parade a nighttime gathering of dignitary-lled convertibles and light-covered oats bands dancers and other marching groups. The historic Albert Kirkland gymnasium one of the rst buildings to be completed in the Hardman Cultural and Recreational Complex is used by many youth and adults for basketball and recongured for pickleball ve days a week. In addition the tennis complex has been completely renovated and offers ve lighted tennis courts and two racquetball courts. A soccer complex on Hunt Brothers Road south of Lake Wales and just east of U.S. Highway 27 was completed in September 2008. The multi- purpose complex includes a snack bar and four full-sized elds that provide space for league play tournaments special workshops and soccer camp. Community children enjoy the newly refurbished playground equipment at Crystal Lake Park. A project of the Lake Wales Kiwanis Club Barneys Dream provides additional playground facilities at Kiwanis Park near the lake for children of all abilities including those who are physically challenged. The Lake Wales YMCA located on Burns Avenue offers co-educational facilities to groups and individual members. The Y is located on a 10-acre site west of the entrance to Bok Tower Gardens. Many of the YMCA programs are open to the general public and a scholarship program helps ensure that the facilities are available to many children who might otherwise be unable to participate. The Y also sponsors daycare after- school and summer programs and has a large meeting room with food facilities. Recreational Programs for the younger set include Little League baseballsoftball Junior Magic Basketball Steelers or Gator league football and league soccer through the Lake Wales Soccer Club. Competitive travel teams for the more serious-minded are available in AAU baseball softball basketball football and soccer. An active Pram Fleet available only to residents of Lake Wales began in 1948 and is the second oldest in the world that is still in operation. Teaching sailing skills to children ages 9-15 the Pram Fleet sails every Sunday on Lake Wailes for eight weeks in the spring and eight weeks in the fall. Watching the eet of small sailboats is a popular leisure activity. 1414 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Are you tired all the time Do you snore at night If you are experiencing difculty falling or staying asleep excessive daytime sleepiness or chronic snoring we may be able to help you get the rest you need. Visit BrainSpineSleep.com for more information. Lake Wales a Great Place for Health Approximately 23 percent of the population of Lake Wales is 65 years old or more 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data shows. With an aging population will come a growing market for additional medical and life science-related industries. Lake Wales Medical Center a 160-bed inpatient outpatient medical surgical and emergency care facility serves The Ridge and eastern Polk County. Employing 520 it offers a comprehensive range of services including cardiac care cardiopulmonary diagnostic and therapeutic care diagnostic imaging emergency care intensive care rehabilitative services stroke care surgery and more. A Community Health Systems afliate LWMC has close relationships with two other Polk County hospitals and works closely with specialized facilities offering wound care vascular surgery hip replacements and other orthopedic surgery a mental health in-patient facility for seniors and a neurodiagnostic and sleep center. Lake Wales also has quality chiropractors eye specialists and a wide variety of internal medicine family practice and specialty physicians. Seniors looking for a full-service living community need look no further than Waters Edge of Lake Wales which offers independent and assisted living options. The not-for-prot community features executive-chef prepared meals state-of-the-art amenities and a positive lifestyle. Savannah Court in Lake Wales offers assisted living respite day services and veterans benets. It offers a warm and comfortable environment a touch of elegance and social activities. Lake Wales also has two full-service nursing homerehabilitation centers offering skilled nursing for both short- and long-term care. The Groves Center and Grace Healthcare have consistently earned 1515Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Performing surgery is his lifes work. If you ever need surgery its good to know that skilled surgeon Snehal Patel M.D. is here to help you get back to your life. He provides a wide range of general thoracic and vascular surgeries both open and laparoscopic. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 863-679-2707. 1120 Carlton Ave. Suite 1500 Lake Wales GeneralVascularSurgeryofPolk.com Snehal Patel M.D. Ifyourwoundhasnt healedin30dayscallus. Members and Independent Members of the Medical Staff of Lake Wales Medical Center. Lake Wales Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners including certain members of the hospitals medical staff. Whether its age health or diabetes thats keeping you from healing The Wound Healing Center at Lake Wales Medical Center is here to help. Call 863-679-1986 to learn more. Snehal Patel M.D. Carolyn D. Pass M.D.Benigno Feliciano M.D. James Nelson M.D. Medical Director Fred Howard M.D. Now on staff full-time high ratings and national service awards. Nursing rehabilitation and respite care is available through Grace Healthcare of Lake Wales. The Groves Center in Lake Wales helps patients make the transition from hospital to home through their post-acute services including rehabilitation skilled nursing nutritional and housekeeping services. It also offers physical occupational and speech therapy plus long-term care. The Central Florida Cancer Institute with an oncology and urology ofce in Lake Wales is dedicated to offering the most advanced cancer treatment including chemotherapy and radiation. The Winter Haven-based Barranco Clinic which offers complete allergy and immunotherapy state-of-the-art radiology and hearing services plus hearing aid evaluation and sales has an ofce in Lake Wales. 1616 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide P. O. BOX 608 I LAKE WALES FL 33859-0608 infolw-arts.org I www.LakeWalesArtsCouncil.org TWO-DAY OUTDOOR ART SHOW ON SHORES OF LAKE WAILES YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY EVENT LAKE WALES CHORALE EXHIBITS CONCERTS Lake Wales a Great Place for The Arts The Lake Wales community fosters a love of arts and culture. Art appreciation creative and performing arts begin at the elementary school level where students have opportunities to sing play the violin and express their creativity through the visual arts. Hillcrest Elementary has a ne arts focus with classes in painting drawing ceramics art history graphic arts dance steel drums strings piano and chorus. McLaughlin Middle Fine Arts Academy offers a state-recognized program in drama the performing arts visual arts and dance. The Polk State College Lake Wales Art Center offers for-credit art classes in addition to gallery exhibits and musical performances. The Lake Wales Arts Council a crew of committed volunteers has made it a mission to build a community where art and culture thrive. It organizes community events recruits artists and even helps children with decorations for the Fourth of July bike parade 1717Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide 411 N. 3rd Street Lake Wales Lake Wales Little Theatre www.lwlt.org Entertaining our Community Since 1978 863 676-1266 Live entertainment at the RAMON Theater 15 E. Wall Street Frostproof FL Order tickets online at RamonTheater.com Music Series Murder Mystery Dinners Special Events Annual Dance Gala Restored 1920s Era Vaudeville Theater 863 635-7222 Arts Council volunteers ensure the success of the annual Citizens Bank and Trust Lake Wales Art Festival the Lake Wales Chorale the Annual Student Art Show the Marilyn Newell Youth Music Festival and Decembers Make it Magical a popular family event downtown with holiday music food and carriage rides. The Lake Wales Little Theatre provides regular live theatrical performances since 1978. It performs from its theatre building at 411 N. Third Street where up to 140 can enjoy an intimate theatre experience. A community- funded renovation created a pleasing design with new seats and raked rows ensuring a good seat for all. Its productions include recent hits old favorites and new plays never performed before. The theatre is run strictly by volunteers and has plenty of opportunities for not only actors but set builders painters sound and light technicians ticket booth and hospitality staff. Just south of Lake Wales in the community of Frostproof is the Ramon Theater a renovated vaudeville performance hall from the 1920s which features quarterly murder mystery dinner theater events an annual fundraising dance gala as well as a series of widely varied musical concerts. Lake Wales also is home to Bok Tower Gardens a fabulous garden designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead Jr. more than 85 years ago. The gardens which attract visitors from around the world feature a neo-Gothic Singing Tower with carillon bells. Bok Tower Gardens features various art exhibits and musical concerts throughout the year. In nearby Winter Haven Theatre Winter Haven Ritz Theatre and the Ridge Art Association offer even more activities for art lovers. The Polk Museum of Art and Explorations V Childrens Museum offer cultural exhibits and hands-on learning in Lakeland. 1818 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Lake Wales a Great Place for Business Because of its convenient Central Florida location and low cost of living the Lake Wales area offers outstanding opportunities for economic growth. The intersection of U.S. 27 and S.R. 60 at Lake Wales makes an excellent hub from which goods may be transported easily to all points in Florida and beyond. Lake Wales residents and businesses truly have the best of both worlds. Just a short commute from Orlando and Tampa Lake Wales offers a friendly down-home atmosphere where work and school are near wherever you live. Just down the road Lake Wales residents can enjoy the amenities of big-city life by visiting without having to deal with the daily congestion and trafc. Lake Wales has a wide variety of places to play shop dine attend school and receive health care. Although citrus and tourism have long been an important part of the areas economy more business and industry are relocating to the area. A public private partnership resulted in the construction of Longleaf Business Park just 2 miles south of Lake Wales on Highway 27. Kegel Company the parks rst tenant Additional emphasis by the City has been on the location of light manufacturing and distribution companies west of Lake Wales along S.R. 60 to take advantage of the new CSX intermodal distribution center opened in the second quarter of 2014. The City also is planning an extension of its airport runway to accommodate small cargo planes. Retailers and professionals have a variety of options from the downtown commercial district strip centers and manufactures bowling equipment and cleaning supplies that are marketed worldwide and has a state-of-the- art training facility utilized by bowling professionals college teams and bowling enthusiasts. A creative division of Merlin Entertainment which owns Legoland is locating on an outparcel. The developer and other building owners are offering great market rates and other incentives. 1919Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY In and around 1923 Mr. Norman H. Bunting worked as a bookkeeper and spent his nights studying accounting. In 1926 after receiving his CPA license Mr. Bunting decided to go into business for himself as N. H. Bunting Co. Over time Mr. Bunting became a prominent gure in Lake Wales and his tiny business quickly became successful. Roughly 30 years later Carl Tripp and H. A. Ingley Jr. both employees of the rm were admitted as partners and formed what has been known to this day as Bunting Tripp Ingley Certied Public Accountants. Throughout the better half of the twentieth century and on through today our community has seen periods of decline and ones of signicant growth. Whatever the circumstances the spirit of community never faded. Everyone helping each other focused on one goal - to create a better life for the people of Lake Wales. We at Bunting Tripp Ingley believe that this same spirit of community is very much alive today. The spirit of community is what built our rm. Thanks for trusting in us Since 1926 E S T D IN G L E Y . C P A F I R M .PU B L I C A C C O U N T A N T S . C E R T I F I ED B U N T I N G T R IP P 1 9 2 6 BT I BuntingTrippIngleyLLP CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS . BTICPA.COM Scenic Highway to the SR 60 corridor. New commercial development continues to locate near the Eagle Ridge Mall at the north end of Lake Wales along U.S. Highway about 15 minutes from the popular LEGOLAND theme park. The City of Lake Wales works closely with the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council to maintain a business friendly environment to encourage additional area growth. 2020 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Lake Wales a Great Place for Economic Development Economic Development Council Focus While the Lake Wales Economic Development Council strives to attract new businesses and industry leaders into the area another important economic goal is to aid in the expansion of existing businesses. When Lake Wales businesses grow the local economy directly experiences the benets from that expansion. The largest impact is the creation of new jobs that contribute to the health of the local economy. When businesses expand they order new equipment and build larger facilities required to increase production. The local economy indirectly benets from business expansion as average wages increase and people spend more at local restaurants retailers and shops. A great example of business expansion in Lake Wales is Kegel a company that manufacturers bowling lane machines and other bowling related services. Three years ago Kegel added a machine workshop which allowed them to in-source most of their manufacturing work to ll orders quickly and more efciently. Kegel is now able to manufacture much of their equipment in-house rather than relying on third-party vendors. The expansion has added 11 jobs Lake Wales market so far. Kegel also generates revenue and passes it into the local economy in the form of payroll and wages. The LWEDC provides assistance to companies looking to expand their operations like Kegel. The economic development council provides information on available tax exemptions and other similar local county state and federal incentive programs. The LWEDC works closely with other economic partners including The Central Florida Development Council and Enterprise Florida. The Central Florida Development Council markets the area from a county level. Enterprise Florida markets the area at the state level. Both partner agencies are instrumental in helping large rms relocate to the area. The Lake Wales EDC also works closely with Lake Wales city ofcials and can assist with identifying planning and permitting requirements and in some cases streamline or fast track the permitting process. Manufacturers Shipments Merchant Wholesale Sales Retail Sales Accommodations and Food Services 5000 10000 25000 15000 20000 Industry Sales Per Capita Polk County Florida U.S. 2121Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide COST OF LIVING Lake Wales MSA Price Level Index Index Value Food 99.96 Health Care 92.82 Housing 83.42 Other Goods Services 96.67 Transportation 98.89 Overall Index Value 91.56 Source University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research BEBR February 6 2013. HOUSEHOLDS BY INCOME 2014 Polk County Florida U.S. Household Income Base 232200 7.6M 120M 2222 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Grove House Visitor CenterGrove House Visitor CenterGrove House Visitor Center www.FloridasNaturalGroveHouse.com Monday-Friday 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. -2 p.m. 1-800-237-7805 ext. 4110 20160 Highway 27 Lake Wales FL 33853 Opened seasonally October - May Family Friendly Gift Shop Interactive Exhibits Real Orange Groves Self Guided Museum Tour Buses Welcome Virtual Tour Weekly Events Agriculture is rmly rooted in the Lake Wales community home to Floridas Natural a citrus growers cooperative dating back to 1933. The co-op includes 13 grower associations who have joined together to provide premium citrus products. The Floridas Natural brand sold in cartons and clear pitchers has become synonymous with fresh and avorful juice. The company also produces a variety of citrus based specialty drinks. Hunt Brothers Cooperative a packinghouse that opened in 1928 supports the industry through fresh fruit shipments and product for processing. Polk County is a major citrus producer. Other crops grown in the area include blueberries and peaches developed for mild Florida winters. The area also has a strong ranching heritage. Cattle were raised in the area during the Civil War and shipped to the Confederates or to Cuba. Lake Kissimmee State Park located off State Road 60 just 15 miles east of Lake Wales is known for live history demonstrations at its 1876-era cow camp. The ag industry also is supported by Citrosuco North America Inc. a cold storage company. Lake Wales offers training in agriculture through Warner University which has opened a new Agricultural Studies program. The program offers broad-based instruction with lots of hands-on experience enabling students to try different types of jobs or gain job-specic training while still in college. It also strives to teach problem- solving skills including how to nd the answers students need to be productive. The ag studies curriculum includes animal and plant science agriculture mechanics agricultural policy and law marketing managerial nance natural wildlife and resources management weed and pest management specialty crop production and vegetable production. Lakelands Polk State College runs an Agri-Business Technology Institute. In Babson Park Webber University offers undergraduate business degrees including computer information systems management marketing and nance. Ag instruction also is available elsewhere in the region. The University of Floridas College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in Gainesville offers a wide variety of agriculture-related majors including animal sciences plant science agricultural operations management and agricultural education and communication. Several ag support groups are located nearby including the Polk County Farm Bureau in Bartow Florida Citrus Mutual in Lakeland and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Polk County Cooperative Extension Service in Bartow. The Central Florida Ag News Magazine based in Winter Haven provides news coverage for the industry. Lake Wales a Great Place for Agri-Business 2323Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Good year-round weather a quality transportation infrastructure an excellent business tax climate a low- cost operating environment and a pro-business mindset at most levels of government. All are positive reasons to start a new business or expand an existing one in Florida and in particular in greater Lake Wales. Yet there are even more reasons nancially benecial reasons for the short and long term for business owners or entrepreneurs to take a hard look at Lake Wales as a company home or a place to launch a satellite operation. Depending on the type of enterprise its size the number of people it employs the income potential for employees and other factors a company seeking to build in or relocate to Florida can qualify for one or more business and tax incentives. Offered at the state level on down these incentives were put into place by forward- looking public leaders to encourage new business activity develop new industry and foster job creation. Florida consistently gets high marks by the Tax Foundation in the organizations annual State Business Tax Climate Tax Index for 2015 the Sunshine State comes in at No. 5 and the state extends its pro- business and low-tax policies with several economy- building incentives. The state offers such incentives as a Qualied Target Industry Tax Refund and Economic Development Transportation Fund various sales tax exemptions and a Quick Response Training Program. Various special funding resources also are available. Industrial Revenue Bonds IRBs and the Polk County Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption are the key county programs available to businesses that want to set up shop here. In addition to the county business incentives CareerSource Polk www.careersourcepolk.com is available to help companies with their hiring recruiting and training needs. Career Source Polk is a nonprot corporation that oversees workforce development resources for the countys residents and businesses. Services include help with online applications applicant screening testing getting new hires started and conducting job fairs. 2424 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Its All About Living WellIts All About Living Well Quails Bluff 863-676-7917 15101 Quails Bluff Circle Lake Wales FL 33853 Monday - Friday 830 am - 530 pm. www.npmahome.com Its All About Living WellIts All About Living Well Lake Wales a Great Place to Put Down Roots The greater Lake Wales area has many warm friendly neighborhoods with comfortable housing for all lifestyles. Individual homes condominiums villas duplexes apartments and manufactured homes are available for purchase or lease. Retirement communities and assisted living facilities enable senior residents to enjoy life to the fullest. Whether you are a full-time resident or a winter visitor Lake Wales has accommodations to suit your needs. If your preference is a picturesque sh camp river resort a cabin on a lake an apartment or a manufactured home in a town or in the country a home with a country club setting a historic home a new home or a mansion Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce member realtors are ready to listen and assist you. Housing areas include historic districts country settings lakefront properties new developments rustic areas manufactured home parks ranches gated communities condominiums and apartment living. Each offers easy access to all area amenities including shopping dining entertainment recreation facilities schools churches the arts cultural events and government services. There are number of quality home builders in the area ready to accommodate any taste and pocketbook. New developments are underway with model homes open for inspection. Builders are ready and willing to custom- build your home. GeorgetownSquareApartments 863-676-6387 200 Emerald Avenue Lake Wales Florida Monday - Friday 800am to 500pm www.npma.ws 2525Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide 863-679-1710 Call a RealtorToday Wayne Weathersby Jr. Realtor Cheryl Bossarte Realtor ABR SFR E-PRO 116 E. Stuart Ave. Lake Wales FL 33853 Each Keller Williams Office is Independently Owned and Operated www.PolkResults.com Email infoPolkResults.com Office 863 679-1710 Call the Results Team Today LAKE WALES REAL ESTATE TITLE SERVICES INC. 32 3rd St. SW Winter Haven FL 33880 863-299-6942 Fax 863-299-3016 120 E. Stuart Ave. Lake Wales FL 33853 863-678-1543 Fax 863-678-3620 TITLE SERVICES INC. CALL FOR A QUOTE 247 P097314.1 When I say good you say neighbor. Now thats teamwork. State Farm Home Office Bloomington IL Kevin Weltlin Agent 23865 US Hwy 27 N Lake Wales FL 33859 Bus 863-676-6633 kevin.weltlin.pobnstatefarm.com 2626 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Rickert Properties believes that each resident is important in a successful Manufactured Home community. Our tremendous nancial strength coupled with expert management make each Rickert community a winner Check out our Florida communities by visiting our website rickert-properties.com Walden Shores is a unique waterfront community tucked away in a relaxed country atmosphere that offers tennis shufeboard shing boating and preserved nature areas. Our gated 55 community is designed for an active lifestyle that is affordable and cost-efcient. Visit our website at waldenshores.com or call 800-654-9715 to schedule a tour. Whispering Pines is a gated 55 community that offers quiet surroundings and plenty of sunshine. Our residents here enjoy the heated pool spa tness center tennis courts and a full calendar of planned activities. Visit our website at whisperingpines.com or call 800-422-4291 to schedule a tour. Let us help make your dream home a reality at an affordable price. Come see our new homes and quality resales available for purchase. SPECIAL 199 rent per month for 1 year LIFETIME LEASE thereafter First 10 New Models. Bring in this ad and SAVE 1000 on new home purchasevisit us today and save Lake Wales a Great Place to Live Quality of life is what attracts people to live and work in Lake Wales. As our community seeks to attract new business here are some of the positives we have to offer Generally its quiet peaceful and relaxed here minus the big-city crime and congestion. The tax rates are low for everyone the nancial incentives for new businesses are plentiful and the political environment for economic development is positive at every level of government. The public and private schools are an asset with business training programs in the vocational-technical and post-secondary institutions expanding with each passing year. Its a nature lovers delight. Bok Tower with its beautiful surrounding gardens is a majestic focal point for Lake Wales but close by we also nd the Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge Tiger Creek Preserve nature trails parks camping sites and bird-watching areas. Its a sportsmans paradise with so many nearby places to enjoy boating shing and hunting. For entertainment and culture many area public 2727Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide www.homes4polkcounty.com 863 676-4448 A Better Way to Buy Sell Real Estate Striving to provide our Buyers and Sellers TOP NOTCH service... so consider us AT YOUR SERVICE Residential Resale Homes New Homes Vacant Land Lakefront Properties Horse Properties Investment Income Properties Commercial Properties Serving ALL of Polk County AT YOUR SERVICE REALTY EWING BLACKWELDER DUCE INSURANCE 2 North 1st Street Suite 130 Lake Wales FL 33853 863 676-1404 www.ebdins.com Auto Home Life Business and private organizations offer community theater productions art centers shows and festivals dance recitals and music concerts and reviews. Featuring Legoland Florida just a few minutes away and Walt Disney World less than an hour up the highway theme park adventures are close at hand. The variety of shopping and dining opportunities is large and ever expanding. For those who like the occasional day or night trip to more metropolitan areas Orlando Tampa and St. Petersburg arent far away. Its just an hour and a half to Floridas east or west coast a great advantage for anyone who likes to hit the beach go saltwater shing or simply get out and explore. And for anyone who wants to travel beyond the borders of Florida two of the nations nest international airports are located right here in Central Florida one in Orlando and the other in Tampa. 2828 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide POLK COUNTYS AFFORDABLE ASSISTED LIVING A beautiful community offering exceptional care support PERSONAL SERVICES TO ALL RESIDENTS THEIR FAMILIES 24-hour access to trained caring associates Restaurant-style dining Linen and housing services Emergency response system 863.679.8246 12 E. Grove Avenue Lake Wales FL 33853 www.SavannahCourtLakeWales.com PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL TOUR Assisted Living Facility License 9383 SIGNATURE COMMUNITIES OF SENIOR LIVING MANAGEMENT CORP The Citys slogan Progressive Vision Vintage Charm describes Lake Wales conscious commitment to its rich architectural and cultural heritage while creating an environment conducive to economic growth. Geographically centered in the state and at the intersection of two major highways Lake Wales is one of the most desirable locations in Florida. Approximately 8 million people half of Floridas population reside within a 100-mile radius. Nearly one in four area residents is over age 65 evidence that Lake Wales is not only a great place to raise a family but the perfect spot to spend retirement years. The seasonal weather year-round makes golf tennis and other sports popular with active retirees. In addition to private courses located within gated communities the area also boasts many affordable public golf courses. Lake Wales a Great Place to Retire 2929Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Helping you gain and maintain your health and independence 512 S 11th St. Lake Wales FL 33853 863-676-8502 Focusing On Your Needs Skilled Nursing Services Rehabilitation Services Case Management General Nursing and Restorative Care Dietary Services Respite Care www.thegrovescenter.com Dennis Albright Licensed Insurance Agent C 304-544-4642 F 863-853-8001 dalbrightHealthMarkets.com www.HealthMarkets.comdalbright We Can Help Put the Pieces Together To meet the unique and ever changing needs of todays retirees Retirement Solutions is committed to offering industry leading investments to provide... Retirement Solutions 930 State Road 60 East Lake Wales FL 33853 Phone 863-676-1183 Toll Free 888-676-1183 Fax 863-678-1703 Safety Security Growth Preservation Control Access Guaranteed Lifetime Income A Conservative Approach for Todays Retirees Todd Pooley Financial Advisor Many retirees become involved in one or more volunteer opportunities from donating time at the Lake Wales Care Center to tutoring children and adults or joining a service club or organization. Lake Wales has a vibrant medical community to meet the needs of an aging population and the community is home to several retirement communities and assisted living facilities which provide a continuum of care. 3030 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Lake Wales a Great Place for Public Education The small-town atmosphere of Lake Wales and the communitys understanding that the quality of education available to its children is the key to its future is what makes newcomers and long-time residents happy to live work and attend school in this special place. Lake Wales Charter Schools continues to pursue excellence. In the summer of 2003 a group of business and community leaders began to discuss the need for an improved educational system in Lake Wales governed by a local Board of Trustees. After many hours of tireless work tenacity and dedication from the community parents and teachers from ve of the eight public schools in the city voted to convert to charter schools and the Lake Wales Charter Schools system was formed. In August 2004 students and teachers arrived at ve conversion charter schools including Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary Hillcrest Elementary Janie Howard Wilson Elementary Polk Avenue Elementary and Lake Wales High School. In 2008 a new middle school Edward W. Bok Academy was added to the Lake Wales Charter Schools system to fulll the original plan of having a seamless K-12 community school system. Lake Wales Charter Schools staff is committed to their students and school as they strive for excellence. With over 4000 students Lake Wales Charter Schools offer a comprehensive curriculum including Advance Placement International Baccalaureate and Career Academies through a system serving preschool students through high school. The system also partners with Florida Virtual High School for online high school classes and with Polk State College for dual enrollment in college classes. In addition to public funding the charter school system is supported by a separate Foundation which coordinates community and corporate giving to provide additional resources for a wide range of needs including technology infrastructure scholarships and direct classroom instruction. With over a decade of success and great accomplishments in our charter school system our graduation rate continues to increase and 80 of our high school graduates are going to college for advance degrees. For more information on the Lake Wales Charter Schools please visit www.LWCharterSchools.com. Three other area public schools are operated by the School Board of Polk County Spook Hill Elementary School McLaughlin Middle School and Roosevelt Academy. Spook Hill is a traditional K-5 elementary school that 3131Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Pursuing Excellence speaks to the strength and dedication of our leaders educators support staff community volunteers contributors and business partners. Our students continue to be the fuel that drives us. Since the inception of the Lake Wales Charter Schools our goal has been to provide the best public education system for all students. Our six schools have individual personalities and differences but they all seek to inspire teach change create explore prepare and challenge our students so that all students can achieve their full potential as they move through our K-12 system. 130 East Central Ave. Lake Wales FL 33853 Ph 863.679.6560 lwcharterschools.com www.facebook.comlwcharterschools Lake Wales Charter Schools Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary 863.678.4664 Hillcrest Elementary 863.678.4216 Janie Howard Wilson Elementary 863.678.4211 Polk Avenue Elementary 863.678.4244 Edward W. Bok Academy 863.638.1010 Lake Wales High 863.678.4222 seeks to provide a learning environment that inspires students to achieve their maximum potential while involving parents and the community. McLaughlin Middle School Fine Arts Academy serves students in grades 6-8 with a strong academic core plus a variety of elective offerings in music dance visual arts theater and video production. The school has maintained designation as an Arts Achieve model school for not only its curriculum but also community involvement. Roosevelt Academy serves students with learning disabilities in grades 6-12 offering programs to develop life skills and help with career choices. The school boasts strong programs in agriculture horticulture and the culinary arts. 3232 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide GFWC Womans Club of Lake Wales Celebrating 100 Years of Service Great Event Venue - 275 E. Park Avenue Call for Club or Rental Info Shirley - 863-676-6644 Fran - 863-696-3766 In addition to regular public and charter schools the Lake Wales area offers a variety of other educational options. Just north of town on US 27 the Vanguard School an independent not-for-prot private boarding and day school assists fth- through 12th- grade students who face challenges with attention spans reading and math Dyslexia and Aspergers Syndrome. A post-graduate program also is available. The Vanguard School attracts students from throughout the globe many were struggling but with small class sizes and extra help they see success. All Saints Academy in Winter Haven is an independent Episcopal college preparatory school that prides itself on not only high academic achievement but also building students character through accountability and responsibility. All Saints serves Pre-K through 12th grade and offers a full range of athletics dance art music drama and extracurricular programs. The school has maintained a 100 percent college acceptance rate since its rst graduating class in 1997. Candlelight Christian Academy offers instruction for students in elementary middle and high school relying on project-based multi-age classrooms that foster learning at your own pace. A public charter school Our Childrens Academy opened in 2006 to serve children with special needs. The school offers a unique educational program where educators behavior specialists and therapists work together to achieve the goals set for each individual child. Students are taught regular core subjects such as English Math Science and Social Studies in a hands-on creative learning environment. Many students are also taught skills to prepare them for employment. Teachers are certied and highly qualied and physical occupational and speech therapists are available multiple times a week. Behavioral analysts are also on staff to work on behavior modication when needed and together these dedicated professionals ensure we are meeting each childs social intellectual medical and behavioral needs. High school students and adults can receive special vocational training through the Ridge Career Center. Programs include architecture and construction art business education information technology and other elds. East Area Adult School offers high school completion and workforce preparation plus literacy personal enrichment and technology classes. It serves eastern Polk County from its main campus in Auburndale with off-campus classes offered at more than 30 locations in eastern Polk. In addition to the General Education Development GED program the school offers Adult Basic Education ABE and English for Speakers of Other Languages ESOL. Minimal fees are charged. The Lake Wales Family Literacy Academy works to remove educational barriers and maintain a literacy focus for the entire family. Each participating family includes at least one parent or caregiver requiring adult basic education or GED training and one child between the ages of birth and third grade. Lake Wales a Great Place for Educational Opportunities VIOLETA B. SALUD ASSOCIATES INC. INVESTMENT FINANCIAL SERVICES INVESTMENT SERVICES Stocks Bonds Mutual Funds Annuities COLLEGE PLANNING RETIREMENT PLANNING IRAs SEPs 401K 403B ESTATE PLANNING 863-676-1515 ONE WEST CENTRAL AVENUE SUITE 103 LAKE WALES FL 33853 Securities by licensed individuals offered through Investacorp Inc. A Registered BrokerDealer Member FINRA SIPC 3333Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Make the best educational choice for your child today and become a part of a community that inspires independent thinkers principled leaders and humble learners. Join our amazing family. Learn more about us at allsaintsacademy.com. by Niche.com 3434 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Those in the Lake Wales area have a variety of quality options for higher education. Polk State College provides affordable education to area residents. Working closely with employers it has developed numerous Associates of Science and three Bachelors degrees that address local needs. The college has two facilities in Lake Wales one that opened in 2013. The new Polk State Lake Wales Art Center offers for-credit art courses in addition to gallery events musical performances and other activities. The colleges J.D. Alexander Center in Lake Wales is a place where students can complete nearly all classes required for an Associate of Arts degree. The center also offers workforce certicates and an accelerated teacher certication path for those with bachelor degrees in other elds. Founded in 1964 Polk State College has more than 24000 students enrolled on campuses in Lake Wales Winter Haven and Lakeland as well as its Polk State Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center in Bartow and Polk State Airside Center in South Lakeland. Located on 300 acres ve miles south of Lake Wales is Warner University a co-educational liberal arts university founded in 1968 by the Church of God pastors and laity. Warner attracts most of its students from Florida 48 percent are from Polk County. The university offers more than 30 bachelor degree programs among them its new hands-on Agricultural Study program. Other new bachelor degrees include General Studies Interdisciplinary Ministry and Sport Communication. Three masters programs meet working adults need for continuing education in Business Administration Science in Management and Arts in Education. Warner has achieved 100 percent job placement for graduates from its Teacher Education program for more than 10 years. One of the largest employers in Lake Wales the university offers nine degree programs online. It ranked fth in U.S. News Best Colleges 2014 guidebook for Ethnic Diversity Best Regional UniversitiesSouth. It also offers football and other sports for both men and women. South of Lake Wales in Babson Park Webber International University has a strong reputation for their business curriculum including a highly regarded MBA program. Webber was recently cited by the Princeton Review and US News and World Report as one of the Best Colleges in the Southeast. The school also attracts the sports-minded who want to defray a portion of their tuition through athletic scholarships. About 80 percent of the student body plays a sport. Some athletes cover about 35- to 40-percent of their tuition through sports scholarships. Founded in 1927 as a business college for women Webber became co-ed in the early 1970s. Today practicums are part of the educational program giving students on-the-job training. Accounting majors are in steady demand. In nearby Lakeland Florida Polytechnic University is partnering with employers to provide unique hands-on learning opportunities in science technology engineering and math. Opened in August 2014 the states 12th public university is working to become a world-renowned University of Innovation. Six undergraduate and two masters degree programs will bring students in closer touch with potential employers. Among its course offerings are nanotechnology cyber security and gaming big data analytics and machine intelligence. As an incentive to its rst students the school is offering 5000-a-year scholarships that essentially cover undergraduate tuition and fees totaling up to 18200 for each undergrad. Lake Wales a Great Place for Higher Education 3535Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Also in Lakeland are Florida Southern College and Southeastern University. Florida Southern offers 50 undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs as well as graduate programs to this high-tech corridor market. Some 2300 students are enrolled in Accounting Art Biological Sciences Chemistry Education Health Sciences Math Music Nursing Political Science Pre- Professional Religion Social Science and Youth Ministry career programs. It offers 19 varsity sports including baseball basketball soccer swimming volleyball and tennis along with 23 intramural sports. Southeastern University a Christian college offers programs for undergraduate graduate international and Spanish-speaking students as well as adult learners and athletes. It is an easy commute to major universities in the region including University of Central Florida UCF in Orlando University of Tampa UT and University of South Florida USF in Tampa. The nations second largest university UCF offers affordable education to some 60000 students earning a Top Up-and- Coming designation by U.S. News World Report. It also has been recognized as a best-value university by The Princeton Review and Kiplingers as well as one of the nations most affordable colleges by Forbes. USF recognized as a top research university is one of the largest public universities in the nation with more than 47000 students. Widely recognized for training doctors and other healthcare professionals USFs Tampa campus is home to USF Health including the Colleges of Medicine Nursing Public Health and Pharmacy. USF offers more than 230 degree programs for undergraduates graduates specialty and doctoral candidates. Two Polk County schools Ridge Career Center and Traviss Career Center are meeting the need for job training among high school students and adults. Ridge offers training in architecture and construction arts business education and information technology plus law public safety and service and more. Traviss trains students for careers in technology and communications arts business health science hospitality and tourism human services manufacturing transportation distribution and logistics and other specialties. 3636 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide JOIN US Sunday Life Connection Groups....915am SundayWorship Celebration........1030am Wednesday Family Night.............600pm Pastor Dr. Scott Markley fbclw.com fbclw 338 E. Central Ave. LakeWales FL 33853 863.676.3436 JOIN USJOIN US Sunday Life Connection Groups....915am SundayWorship Celebration........1030am Wednesday Family Night.............600pm Pastor Dr. Scott Markley fbclw.com fbclw.com fbclw.com fbclwfbclwfbclwfbclwfbclwfbclwfbclw 338 E. Central Ave. LakeWales FL 33853338 E. Central Ave. LakeWales FL 33853 863.676.3436863.676.3436 221 S. 4th St. Lake Wales FL Fr. Tom Seitz Jr. SERVICES Sundays 8 1030 am 930 am Summer Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd goodshepherdnews.com Lake Wales a Great Place to Give Back The Lake Wales community is truly special. The character of its residents and businesses the true jewels in the Lake Wales Crown make this a wonderful place to live and a great place to play The community is truly blessed by those who provide nancial support andor volunteer their time so generously to improve the quality of life available to all Lake Wales area residents. Civic clubs sponsor fund-raising activities to support local charities and educational programs providing food clothing and educational supplies to those in need. Business partners actively support local schools sponsor activities that encourage student excellence and promote family literacy build leadership skills and provide career-shadowing opportunities to help students better prepare for future careers. Volunteers build playgrounds serve as mentors and coaches and provide meaningful work opportunities for residents who are physically or mentally challenged. Business leaders support efforts to encourage unity throughout the community bringing neighbors together to learn from neighbors. And a wide range of cultural activities enriches the lives of thousands of residents due to the generosity of those who underwrite special art exhibits art and music classes plays summer arts camp concerts and other musical performances year- round. The community is blessed with dozens of diverse churches meeting the spiritual needs of their members and serving a variety of community needs. One unique ministry founded in 1985 is the Lake 3737Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Current Programs Home Repair Meals on Wheels Transitional Housing for Homeless Families Basic Needs for Short-term Crisis Clinical Counseling Community Youth Programs Pregnancy Care Program Lake Wales Free Clinic Community Kitchen Holiday Assistance Adult Literacy Enterprise Programs Volunteer Opportunities Main Office 140 East Park Avenue Lake Wales FL 863 676-6678 Lake Wales Thrift Store 201 N Scenic Hwy Lake Wales FL 863 678-0245 Dundee Thrift Store 27889 US Hwy 27 Dundee FL 863 439-6000 CC Boutique 125 E Park Ave Lake Wales FL Park Avenue Christian Bookstore 218 E Park Ave Lake Wales FL 863 223-8193 lakewalescarecenter.com care.lwccgmail.com MISSION STATEMENT Lake Wales Care Center is a faith based community service organization which demonstrates Christs love by building bridges between people in need and people with a desire to serve. Wales Care Center a faith-based community service organization. This coalition of area churches non-prot organizations caring volunteers and public and private partnerships leverage their collective strengths and resources to offer essential services to people in need. The organization is a one-stop agency that offers a variety programs to assist people in need of food shelter clothing medical help homebound care and mentoring. The Care Center runs the area Meals on Wheels program and operates a thrift shop Christian book and gift store transitional housing youth coffee house and its signature Stay at Home Work Camp where teenagers devote a week to painting roong or other community service projects. The Lake Wales Center is located in the heart of downtown and has been serving the community for over 30 years. 3838 Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide EAGLE RIDGE MALL FASHION. FOOD. FILM. FUN 451 Eagle Ridge Dr. Lake Wales FL 33859 EagleRidgeMall.com facebook.comEagleRidgeMall DILLARDS JC PENNEY HIBBETT SPORTS VICTORIAS SECRET FOOT LOCKER STARBUCKS KAY JEWELERS BATH BODY WORKS F.Y.E. FIRST FRAME BOWLING REGAL CINEMAS MORE 863-676-6361 802HenryStreet LakeWalesFL 863-676-6361 Original painting by Linda Kegley LKArtworks.comOriginal painting by Linda Kegley LKArtworks.com From the historic downtown Lake Wales district to the regional Eagle Ridge Mall Lake Wales offers plenty of opportunities for area shoppers. Visitors can stroll through the downtown of small shops and businesses featuring 1920s-era architecture. At these quaint specialty shops high quality and superb personal service is stressed. Updated with more than 5 million since 1987 Lake Wales downtown includes new construction renovations new signs and awnings. Economic development efforts brought 20 new businesses and created 150 jobs. Main Street features a monthly Lake Wales Car Show and a twice monthly Farmers Market. The 624759 square foot mall includes major retailers including Dillards JC Penney Sears Victorias Secret Bath Body Works Kay Jewelers Charlotte Russe Journeys Payless Shoe Source Foot Action Footlocker Aeropostale Starbucks and Sunglass Hut. Conveniently located on U.S. 27 the mall offers a family friendly environment including Regal Cinema a bowling alley and gaming arcade antique carousel and soft childrens play center. Other shopping centers in and around Lake Wales offer a variety of specialty stores and retail space that houses professional businesses real estate ofces and restaurants. Lake Wales also has several other major chains including Lowes Home Depot Publix Walmart Petsmart Bealls Outlet Kohls Walgreens Rural King CVS and Tractor Supply Company. One of the largest Lego retail stores in the world The Big Shop is located in Legoland in nearby Winter Haven. Lake Wales a Great Place for Shopping Dining 3939Lake Wales Area Resident and Visitor Guide Bibles Christian books and Devotionals Willow Tree Figurines Dayspring Greeting Cards T-Shirts Jewelry Accessories Local items supporting missions and ministries Used Christian Literature A reading room Coffee COME SEE WHATS IN STORE M-F 1000-500 Sat 900-300 863-223-8193 218 E Park Ave Lake Wales FL 33853 A program of Lake Wales Care Center Kpachristianbookstore.com Bibles Christian books and Devotionals Willow Tree Figurines Dayspring Greeting Cards T-Shirts Jewelry Accessories Local items supporting missions and ministries Used Christian Literature A reading room Coffee COME SEE WHATS IN STORE M-F 1000-500 Sat 900-300 863-223-8193 218 E Park Ave Lake Wales FL 33853 A program of Lake Wales Care Center Kpachristianbookstore.com FOLLOWMEonFacebookfor specialoffersandinformation www.facebook.comJohnWalldorf.LMT.MobileMassageTherapy EarlymorningEveningandWeekendappointments areALSOAVAILABLE.regularrate60hr. Massage Luxury It IS HEALTH CARE is NOT just a John Walldorf LMT MM32134 MA 63506 MAIN OFFICE 144 E. Stuart Ave. Ste. 300 LakeWales FL across from Wells Fargo 407 283-2423 863 676-8913 MassageMassage www.johnwalldorf.massagetherapy.com Mobile Service Available 2425 wy 60 E. Lake ales FL 85 86 -604-1456 norbys reatsteaks om Friends gathering for steaks on the grill an evening of camaraderie good food good drinks and pleasant conversation. Thats the atmosphere of If it is worth remembering... ...it is worth framing. Elisa Pedersen Owner 249 E Stuart Ave. Lake Wales FL 863 676-2821 Mon.-Fri. 10am-5pm Sat. 10am-3pm American Express Mastercard Visa Discover cards accepted fami y owne usiness featuring true ori a sty e furniture a essories gifts an more. C etiti e i in a i esi n F ee e i e y E e ent Se i e 8 3.4 .8 . e intin . 740 E. Main St. Haines City FL 33844 FOR ALL OF YOUR R EE S un oast edia roupis pleased to partner with romer nternational ress and the La e ales rea ham er o ommerce Economic evelopment ouncil to produce the 2 - La e ales rea Resident isitor uide Publisher - Jim Gouvellis Project Editor - Chevon Baccus Advertising - Chevon Baccus and Christina Blackmon In addition to publishing three community newspapers in East Polk County - the Lake Wales NewsFrostproof News Polk DemocratFort Meade Leader and Polk SUN our Sun Newspa- pers division offers a wide range of support for business development including - pecialty pu lications - isplay advertising enhancements - igital online promotions - argeted direct mail - pecial events - dvice on other ad uys - radio outdoor speciali ed Publisher - Jim Gouvellis Project Editor - Chevon Baccus Advertising - Chevon Baccus and Christina Blackmon TM Contact us to help you build your business. L E LE 4 E tuart venue - 4 R lorida venue -4 The 30-Minutes-or-Less E.R. Service Pledge. Clinical professional is dened as a physician physician assistant or nurse practitioner. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 911. Lake Wales Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners including certain members of the hospitals medical staff. Emergency medicine is about three things compassion skilled care and speed. Youll nd these at Lake Wales Medical Center. The experienced E.R. physicians and the entire team are committed to working diligently to have you initially seen by a clinical professional within 30 minutes of your arrival. If you need an E.R. fast try our fast E.R. Once you do you wont want to go anywhere else. For more information visit LakeWalesMedicalCenter.com. 84595_LAKEW_ERpldg_8x10_2c.indd 1 42815 1026 AM